The brain contains diverse populations of neurons, or nerve cells, which are supported by a range of glia that promote neuronal functioning. Brain cancer may develop from populations of neurons or glia that begin to divide out of control, forming one or more tumors within the brain. Early detection is crucial in increasing the efficacy of brain cancer treatment, and understanding the early symptoms of brain cancer may aid in early diagnosis.
Headaches
A commonly early symptom of brain cancer is the development of headaches. As a brain tumor grows, the mass of the brain increases, increasing the level of pressure inside the skull. In addition, cancer growth can disrupt the normal flow of fluid in the brain, causing a buildup a fluid that further increases intracranial pressure. As a result, patients with brain cancer may suffer from very frequent headaches or long-lasting severe headaches that differ from a patient's previous headache history. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library indicates that headaches due to cancer growth are usually most severe upon waking, but can persist throughout the day.
Decreased Muscle Control
Patients with cancerous growths in specific regions of the brain may develop symptoms such as decreased muscle control early in brain cancer development. Motor functioning is controlled in the frontal lobe of the brain, located at the front of the skull, according to the Center for Neuro Skills website. Damage to the frontal lobe due to cancer growth can diminish the brain's ability to signal to muscles throughout the body, leading to a decrease in overall motor functioning that worsens as the cancer progresses. Patients who develop difficulties with fine motor functioning, such as difficulty writing, should consult a doctor to investigate the health of their brain.
Nausea and Vomiting
Another early symptom of brain cancer is persistent and unexplained nausea and vomiting. The American Brain Tumor Association indicates that these symptoms are also caused by the increase in pressure within the skull due to cancer growth. As the brain swells around the site of cancer growth, the tumor leads to a displacement and movement of surrounding brain tissue, which leads to nausea. Although nausea and vomiting alone may indicate a range of disorders, not just brain cancer, patients suffering from these symptoms as well as other brain cancer symptoms should seek medical attention.
